The NCCC has a decades-long history of working for universal health care. In policy statements dating back to the 1980s, the Council has expressed concern about the large number of North Carolinians without adequate health care and the high and increasing cost of health care.
A statement from 1990 reads in part: “Christian people must be deeply concerned about these deficiencies in the health care system of our society, especially as they impact persons of low and moderate incomes. The Gospel tells us that Jesus ‘went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and infirmity among the people.’ (Matthew 4:23) They also tell of Jesus’ concern for the poor and for children. Thus, healing and health have long been a part of the mission of the church. In our day this must involve advocacy for a just and humane health care system.”
Many in the faith community believe reform that provides health care for all is a basic social justice issue. Substantial progress was made in 2010, but continued advocacy and vigilance are needed to continue the forward trend and protect against backsliding. Organizations like Faithful Reform in Health Care provide valuable information to make sure that the country does not lose its momentum toward accessible and affordable health care for all. The Faithful Reform site includes regularly updated information in its Daily Dose to help clarify confusion about what reform will actually do.
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